KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Mahindra XUV 700 Scored 5-star safety in GNCAP
- Tata Nexon was the first Indian car to score 5-star safety ratings from GNCAP
- Tata Harrier only offers a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine
In today's changing automotive trends, Indian families demand an SUV that's not just about safety but performance, too. Indian consumers not only need an SUVs for their road trips and daily commutes but also a vehicle that ensures top-notch safety and exhilarating performance.
In this article, we'll navigate through the options available under Rs 25 lakh. However, before diving deep into the details, make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp community to never miss out on any automotive updates.
Tata Harrier
The Tata Harrier has earned a 5-star safety rating in the GNCAP crash test. For safety, it relies on 7 airbags, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and other safety features like electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, and hill hold assist.
At the same time, it is available at a starting price of Rs 15 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 26.49 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top trim. This massive SUV is available with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine along with a 6-speed AT or a 6-speed MT. This power unit generates 170 ps of power and 350 Nm of torque.
Skoda Kushaq
The Skoda Kushaq also scored five stars in the GNCAP crash test, reflecting its robust build quality. For safety, it relies on six airbags, ABS with EBD, TCS, a rear-parking camera, and TPMS. This mid-size SUV is available at a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 19.11 lakh (ex-showroom).
Under the hood, the Kushaq gets two turbo-petrol options: a 1.0-litre and a 1.5-litre unit. The 1.5-litre unit belts out 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque. The 1.0-litre unit is paired with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. on the other hand, the 1.5-litre unit comes paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT.
Volkswagen Taigun
The Volkswagen Taigun hold a similar 5-star safety rating just like the other models in the list. In terms of safety, it boasts six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, hill-hold control, tyre pressure deflation warning, parking camera, and ISOFIX child seat mounts.
Mechanically, the Taigun has the same engine options as the Kushaq, even with similar power figures. The 1.0-litre engine comes with the option of a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed torque converter. Meanwhile the 1.5-litre unit comes with a 7-speed DCT unit instead of the torque-converter, while also adding on the manual.
The Volkswagen Taigun is available at a starting price of Rs 11.69 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 19.73 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top trim.
Tata Nexon
One can easily credit the Tata Nexon for us Indians to take safety seriously. It was the first Indian car to receive 5-star safety ratings from GNCAP. Its safety features include six airbags as standard, ESC, three-point seat belts, ISOFIX, ABS with EBD and a rear parking camera.
Under the hood, the Nexon is available with two engine options: a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. Both engines are available with the option of a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed AMT. Additionally, the base petrol trims come with a 5-speed manual, while the higher petrol trims come with a 7-speed DCT.
The 1.5-litre unit belts out 115 hp and 260 Nm of torque. Moreover, the Nexon is available at an introductory price of Rs 8.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 15.59 lakh (ex-showroom).
Mahindra XUV 700
The Mahindra XUV 700 has garnered significant attention since its launch. It achieved a 5-star safety rating for adult occupants and a 4-star safety rating for child occupants in GNCAP. For safety, it relies on seven airbags, ABS with EBD, TPMS and a level 2 ADAS suite.
Under the hood, it gets two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbo-charged petrol unit and a 2.2-litre diesel unit. The diesel powertrain comes with multiple output figures depending on the trim and transmission; in the lower trims with the manual transmission, the figures stand at 154 hp and 360 Nm of torque. These figures jump up to 184 hp and 420 Nm of torque in the higher trims with the 6-speed manual transmission, and finally the automatic producing 450Nm of torque.
The Mahindra XUV 700 is available at a starting price of Rs 13.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and goes up to Rs 25.88 lakh (ex-showroom) for the top spec.
Read more: Mahindra Thar Roxx Now Gets These Three New Features- No Price Hike!
Verdict
In the competitive market of family SUVs under Rs 25 lakh in India, the Tata Harrier, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun, Tata Nexon, and Mahindra XUV700 stand out for their exceptional blend of safety and performance. Each of these vehicles has achieved commendable safety ratings. Performance-wise, they offer robust engine options, ensuring a dynamic driving experience suitable for both city commutes and long-distance travel. For families seeking a reliable, safe, and powerful SUV within this budget, these models present compelling choices.
